What is the effect of regular exercise on blood pressure (BP)?

Regular exercise is widely recognized for its positive effects on cardiovascular health, including its influence on blood pressure. Engaging in physical activity helps to improve blood flow and promote the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, leading to numerous benefits. Specifically, regular exercise has been shown to decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in many individuals.

When you perform regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming, your heart becomes more efficient over time. It pumps a greater volume of blood with each contraction, which can decrease overall vascular resistance and improve endothelial function. This enhanced cardiovascular efficiency typically results in lower resting blood pressure.

Moreover, engaging in exercise helps to improve factors such as weight management, insulin sensitivity, and stress reduction, all of which contribute to better blood pressure regulation. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the well-documented evidence that consistent physical activity can contribute to a significant decrease in blood pressure, enhancing overall cardiovascular health.